Outlook: Anyone getting a trend here? “Returning talent that’s also experienced.” I feel as though I’ve written that line for a lot of the position groups, and the weakside linebackers are no different in that regard.

But, like a lot of the other position groups, the great experience doesn’t extend much further than the starter. Malone -- the Ducks’ leading tackler in 2013 -- is going to be an anchor in the middle of the defense, but it’s necessary to keep him healthy because there’s less experience with Cassell, Robinson or Thompson. Cassell registered 32 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack and two quarterback hurries, and Robinson and Thompson combined for 16 tackles.

Look for defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Don Pellum to try to get Cassell some early snaps in the nonconference season. Malone is game-tested and passed with flying colors, so he doesn’t have to prove himself. But it would be nice for everyone to feel as confident in Cassell as they do in Malone, so if Malone needed to rest or were injured, the Ducks wouldn’t miss a beat in the middle of their defense.